After a tense standoff that stranded hundreds of passengers at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), striking workers have agreed to return to their duties following a day-long protest.
However, the dispute over the government’s plan to lease the airport to India’s Adani Group remains unresolved.
Workers, who began the strike at midnight, continue to oppose the proposed 30-year takeover by Adani.
Transport CS Davis Chirchir reiterated that the plan aims to enhance JKIA’s infrastructure and service delivery through private investment, addressing current capacity challenges.
Davis Chirchir acknowledged the government’s failure to fully disclose details of the deal but emphasized that no binding contract exists.
“Over the past few weeks, we’ve attempted to clarify the situation. There was a lapse in communication regarding the privately initiated investment proposal from Adani for the airport,” Chirchir said during a press briefing at JKIA, following a meeting that resolved a strike by aviation workers.
Moss Ndiema, Secretary General of the Kenya Airport Workers Union (KAWU), also stressed that the return to work does not signal agreement or support for the proposed takeover.
” Ndiema stated firmly. “This return to work is conditional, and we have been given the power to veto the agreement at any point if it does not align with the workers’ interests.”
Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli, in a statement after the talks, emphasized that although work has resumed, the employees are not fully satisfied with the government’s position.
“Kenya Airport Authority (KAA) shall not enter into any final agreement without consensus from the Kenya Aviation Workers Union,” Atwoli declared, emphasising the union’s continued opposition to the proposed takeover.
As the 10-day review period begins, all eyes are on the outcome of the next round of negotiations. The government’s promise to involve all stakeholders in the discussions is a positive step, but it remains to be seen whether this will be enough to address the deep-rooted concerns of the workers.